Geology beneath the waves: developing maps and models of the sea floor
A special webinar focusing on our cutting-edge sea floor mapping research and an exciting new project exploring the deepest reaches of the world's oceans. A recording is now available.
Event on 23/11/2023
Over 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface lies beneath the waves of our seas and oceans. Most of this hidden world remains uncharted; however, scientific research, offshore development, conservation and marine management are all driving an increasing demand for offshore environmental data. This special webinar focuses on some of the cutting-edge geological sea floor mapping and modelling research that is currently being undertaken at BGS, which is both generating and using these state-of-the-art datasets.
The recording of the webinar is now available to watch online.
The webinar covers three areas of our current marine geoscience research:
- a new generation of geological mapping for the UK continental shelf and nearshore areas, highlighting key drivers for the mapping and the science that underpins it
- enhancing our understanding of sea-floor geology and developing ‘ground models’ of the shallow subsurface, providing vital support to the rapidly growing offshore renewable industry
- working with global partners on an exciting new research programme, exploring seascapes in the deepest reaches of the world’s oceans
The webinar concludes with a Q&A session, with BGS geoscientists answering questions from attendees
BGS Strategy 2023 to 2028: Understanding our Earth
Humanity faces major global challenges that require recurrent and serious consideration by decision makers. BGS have developed a programme of science to meet societal needs, with a focus on four strategic priorities:
- producing maps and models for the 21st century
- supporting a more secure energy transition
- improving water security
- living with geological hazards
Through public engagement, we aim to inspire the wider community and inform societal debate and decisions on geological solutions to global challenges.
For more information please read our full strategy.
Related news
Scientists produce first record of environmental data off coast of Hawai’i
01/03/2024
An international team of researchers, including BGS geoscientists, have succeeded in acquiring a continuous record of environmental data using fossilised coral from Hawai’i.
In photos: marine surveying a remote volcanic island
14/12/2023
A photo blog by members of the BGS Marine Survey team, who recently completed marine surveys around Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean.
BGS completes first mapping expedition to Ascension Island
11/12/2023
BGS marine geoscientists travelled to Ascension Island to support its government with an ongoing, conservation-driven mapping programme.
Industry-leading data sharing partnership announced
02/11/2023
A data sharing partnership has been agreed between BGS and Ossian, allowing BGS to advance its knowledge of the rock and soil conditions under the seabed.
What lies beneath Loch Lomond?
17/10/2023
BGS geoscientists have visualised what lies beneath the waves of Loch Lomond, revealing an image of the loch bed and various sedimentary features of the subsurface.
Geology beneath the waves: developing maps and models of the sea floor
Event on 23/11/2023
A special webinar focusing on our cutting-edge sea floor mapping research and an exciting new project exploring the deepest reaches of the world’s oceans. A recording is now available.
Trans-Pacific Transit 2023: deep-diving ocean partnership sets sail
04/10/2023
BGS has joined a multidisciplinary research expedition to ‘explore the unexplored’ and fill in some of the biggest gaps in our knowledge of the oceans’ darkest depths.
Scientists set sail to investigate high-resolution sea level, climate and coral reef records
25/09/2023
BGS scientists are taking part in an expedition off Hawai’i to investigate sea-level changes recorded by ancient coral reefs.
New seabed geology maps for offshore Yorkshire
14/03/2023
Offshore Yorkshire is the latest map to be released in BGS’s series of fine-scale digital seabed maps.
Below the bonnie banks: mapping Loch Lomond’s underwater landslides
07/03/2023
Using high-resolution, multibeam bathymetry and shallow seismic imaging, BGS’s marine geoscience and landslides teams are mapping historic landslides under the waters of Loch Lomond.
BGS Seabed Geology
The seabed geology map dataset covers regions on the UK’s continental shelf and details the substrate geology, structural geology and seabed geomorphology.
IODP Expedition 386: hosting a sampling party in Japan
19/12/2022
BGS help lead the final phase of IODP Expedition 386 in Japan, coordinating science colleagues from around the globe to extract samples from sediment cores aboard DV Chikyu.